In-vessel composting plans for Ayrshire

Billie Bowie Special Projects has ordered four Vertical Composting Units from New Zealand-based technology provider VCU, to install at is waste transfer station in Kilmarnock.

The plant will enable the firm to turn around 5,000 tonnes of organic wastes including green waste and food waste a year into compost. The technology will also help the firm to process some of its low-hazard liquid wastes, which are currently sent off site for processing.

Company owner Billy Bowie said: “The VCU will be part of the new waste transfer station within the sit at Moorfield Industrial Estate, and will enable us to expand our waste disposal facilities for domestic and commercial customers alike. The expansion of the recycling facility as a whole will be a benefit to the whole community.”

Waste

Billie Bowie Special Projects operates a UK-wide fleet of 60 tankers and vehicles which collect sludges and liquid waste.

However, the business is handling increasing volumes of both commercial and domestic organic solid waste which is a side of its business it intends to expand.

Billie Bowie Special Projects chose the VCU technology because it takes up less space than an open-windrow composting facility and as it is enclosed, creates no unpleasant odours which can create a barrier to gaining planning permission.

The Vertical Composting Units, which will be installed by the European arm of VCU, VCU Europa, are also fully compliant with the Animal By Product Regulations which lay down strict controls for treating animal-derived waste.

Mr Bowie explained: “We selected the VCU system for its modular design and expansion potential which is important to us as our business grows. VCU Europa's help in securing initial planning consent also assisted greatly in moving the project forward.”

Welcome

Peter Hallam, VCU Europa's project development manager, welcomed the new order.

He said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract. We look forward to working with Bowies over the coming months to ensure the successful delivery of the project and to ensure that our reputation as leaders in the field of animal by-product processing is maintained.”